THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
Application: Temperature Measurement
THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
- Temperature measurement sensors for industrial use –
Figure 2: Mineral Oxide Thermocouples
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thermocouples (Figure 1 e 2) are components which are
employed to measure the temperature. They consist of two
metallic conductors, joint at one end (the so-called “junction”)
encapsulated into a metallic tube: if the temperature changes,
the voltage that can be measured at the conductors terminals
(= e.m.f., electro-motive-force) changes as well. This variation
can be directly linked to the temperature that the junction is
experiencing. Standard thermocouples have the junction
which is in direct contact with the tube sheath (grounded-
junction, see Figure 4). The metallic conductors within the
tube are insulated by a fibreglass-silicon sheath.
Mineral oxide thermocouples junction, on the contrary, is
isolated from the tube sheath (see Figure 5). The metallic
conductors are annealed into a compressed MgO powder.
Figure 4: grounded junction Figure5: Isolated junction
The junction of the sensing The junction of the sensing elements is
elements is made directly onto electrically and mechanically isolated
the tube sheath. from the sheath. This insures a long
duration even if thermal shocks or
corrosive conditions are experienced
Thermocouples and Thermoresistances
Figure 1: Standard Thermocouples
Figure 3: Thermoresistances
Also Thermoresistances are components which are
employed to measure the temperature but, differently from
thermocouples, the sensing element is a component, located
at the end of the sensor, whose electrical resistance changes
with changing temperature. This variation yields a measure of
the temperature that the sensing element is experiencing.
The standard construction for thermoresistances considers a
2-wires connection. For a better measurement accuracy, 3 or
4-wires connection are possible too (see Figure 6).
Also for thermoresistances, both the standard (conductors
insulation in fibreglass-silicone) and the mineral-oxide version
(insulation made of MgO compressed powder) are possible.
Figure 6:
2-wires connection 3-wires connection 4-wires connection
Issue: June 2005
The thermocouples that Masterwatt supplies are compliant to
ANSI or DIN specifications. The thermoresistances fulfil IEC
or DIN requirements.
www.masterwatt.it pag. 1/8

APPLICATIONS
Standard Thermocouples (Figure 1) are suitable whenever
severe operational conditions (i.e. vibrations, mechanical
loads, pressure) are NOT present.
Mineral Oxide Thermocouples (Figure 2) are recommended
in all applications where a fast response or a reduced
dimension of the sensing element I required. For this type of
products it is also possible to manufacture double
thermocouples (i.e. thermocouples with two sensing elements
inserted into the tube sheath).
Thermoresistances (Figure 3), compared to thermocouples,
provide, at low temperatures, a more accurate measurement.
Hence their use is recommended if the application requires a
good measurement accuracy and the process temperatures
do not exceed 200 °C.
TECHNICAL DATA RELEVANT TO THERMOCOUPLES
1. CONDUCTORS made of Iron/Constantan o in
Nickel/Chrome-Nickel
2. CONDUCTORS INSULATION made of fibreglass-silicone
(standard thermocouples) or of compressed MgO (mineral
oxide thermocouples)
3. EXTERNAL SHEATH made of AISI 304 (other materials
are possible – see catalogue)
4. HOT JUNCTION grounded (standard thermocouples) or
isolated (mineral oxide thermocouples)
5. OPERATING TEMPERATURE up to 700 °C (Iron/
Constantan conductors) or up to 1200 °C (Nickel/
Chrome-Nickel conductors)
Thermocouples and Thermoresistances
THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
Application: Temperature Measurement
TECHNICAL DATA RELEVANT TO THERMORESISTANCES
1. CONDUCTORS made of copper
2. CONDUCTORS INSULATION made of fibreglass-silicone
or of compressed MgO
3. EXTERNAL SHEATH made of AISI 304 (other materials
are possible – see catalogue)
4. SENSING ELEMENT made of a nickel or platinum
resistive winding (nominal resistance equal to 100 Ω at 0
°C)
5. VOLTAGE SUPPLY 2-wires (standard) or 3 or 4-wires
(optional)
6. OPERATING TEMPERATURE from 400 °C to 700 °C
depending on model (see catalogue)
STANDARD DIMENSIONS
The technical, functional and manufacturing characteristics of
the thermocouples and the thermoresistances which are
available on stock are detailed in the pages of this catalogue.
To order these products just specify the relevant code.
SPECIAL EXECUTIONS
Upon request, thermocouples and thermoresistances which
are different from the standard can be produced. The
feasibility shall be assessed, case by case, by our technical
department. In particular the following can be provided:
3 or 4-wires thermoresistances
Double thermocouples or thermoresistances (i.e. with two
sensing elements inserted within the tube sheath)
thermocouples or thermoresistances with non standard
dimensions, suitable for all applications with peculiar
installation needs.
Issue: June 2005
www.masterwatt.it pag. 2/8
 THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
Application: Temperature Measurement

Code Sheath Sensing Hot Max. Dmin Dmax

Material Element Junction temp. (°C) (mm) (mm)
TCN 2510/1 25 45 Code Sheath Sensing Hot Max. temp. (°C)
TCN 2510/2 AISI 304 Fe-CuNi grounded -10 / +400 48 68 Material Element Junction
TCN 2510/3 5 98 TCN 2756 AISI 304 Fe-CuNi grounded -10 / +400

Code Sheath Plate Sensing Hot Max. temp.

Material Material Element Junction (°C)
TCN 2757 AISI 304 Brass Fe-CuNi grounded -10 / +400 Code Sheath Sensing Hot Max. temp. (°C)
Material Element Junction
TCN 2755 AISI 304 Fe-CuNi grounded -10 / +400

Code Sheath Type Sensing Hot Max. temp.

Code Sheath Sensing Hot Max. temp. (°C)
Material Element Junction (°C)
Material Element Junction
TCN 2753 Armoured cable
TCN 2758 AISI 304 Fe-CuNi grounded -10 / +400 Cu Sn Fe-CuNi grounded -10 / +400
TCN 2754 non armoured cable

Code Sheath Type Plate Sensing Hot Max. temp.

Material Material Element Junction (°C) Code Sheath Sensing Hot Max. temp. (°C)
TCN 4692 Blade Material Element Junction
AISI 304 Brass Fe-CuNi grounded -10 / +400
TCN 4693 Plate TRE 3752 AISI 304 PT 100 ------- -10 / +400

Code Sheath Sensing Hot Max. temp. (°C) Code Sheath Sensing Hot Max. temp. (°C)
Material Element Junction Material Element Junction
TCN 1163 AISI 304 Fe-CuNi grounded -10 / +400 TCN 0756 AISI 304 Fe-CuNi grounded 0 / +350

MINERAL OXIDE INSULATION THERMOCOUPLES AND THERMORESISTANCES

Code Sheath Sensing Element Hot Junction Max. temp. (°C) LE B
Issue: June 2005

Material
TCN 2759 isolated -10 / +700 0 ÷ 230
AISI 304 Fe-CuNi 1/4”G, 12MA, 12MB
TRE 3753 ------ -10 / +600 0 ÷ 600

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 THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
Application: Temperature Measurement

MINERAL OXIDE INSULATION THERMOCOUPLES AND THERMORESISTANCES

Code Sheath Sensing Element Hot Junction Max. temp. (°C) D B
Material
TCN 2760 Fe-CuNi Isolated -10 / +700 2
AISI 304 1/4”G, 12MA, 12MB
TRE 3754 1 PT 100 ------ -10 / +600 2

MINERAL OXIDE INSULATION THERMOCOUPLES

Code Sheath Material Sensing Element Hot Junction Max. temp. (°C) D (mm) LE (mm)
TCN 2710 50
TCN 2771 100
1.5
TCN 2772 150 OPTIONAL
TCN 2773 200 CONNECTIONS
AISI 304 Fe-CuNi isolated -10 / +500
TCN 4700 100 Φ D Pressure
TCN 4701 150 (mm) Connector
2
TCN 4702 200 1.5 1/8”G
TCN 4703 300 2 1/4”G

STANDARD FIBREGLASS INSULATION THERMOCOUPLES AND THERMORESISTANCES

Code Sheath Material Sensing Element Hot Junction Max. temp. (°C) D (mm) LE (mm)
TCN 2762 -10 / +400 5 100
TCN 2764 6 50 OPTIONAL
TCN 820/1 Fe-CuNi grounded 6 100 CONNECTIONS
AISI 304 -10 / +400
TCN 820/2 8 50 Sliding
TCN 820/3 8 100 Connections
TRE 3756 1 PT 100 ----- -10 / +300 6 100 12MA

FIBREGLASS
SILICONE
CABLE

BAYONET COUPLING THERMOCOUPLES AND THERMORESISTANCES Non

Armoured
Code Sheath Material Sensing Element Hot Junction Max. temp. (°C) D (mm) LE (mm) Armoured
TCN 2752 5 15
TCN 2751 6 15 Bayonet
Fe-CuNi grounded Connection
TCN 503 AISI 304 -10 / + 400 6 35
Issue: June 2005

TCN 2750 6 15 1/4”G

TRE 3750 1 PT 100 ------- 6.5 15 12MB

Thermocouples and Thermoresistances www.masterwatt.it pag. 4/8

 THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
Application: Temperature Measurement

Code Sheath Material Sensing Max. temp. Code Sheath Material Max. Sensing D2 Z EL
EL
Element (°C) D1 Φ
TCN 2810 Fe-CuNi 450
temp
(°C)
Element
mm
Φ mm

TCN 2815 AISI 304 Cr All 50 ÷ 500 700 mm

TRE 3765 1 PT 100 450 TCN 2880 Pythag. DIN 610 750 Fe-CuNi 10 13 300
TCN 2890 Pythag. DIN 610 1200 Cr All 15 18 500
TRE 3800 Silim. DIN 530 1500 Pt Rh 10 % Pt 17 21 800
TRE 3805 Alsint 9.7 DIN 710 1500 Pt Rh 10 % Pt 26 30 1000
TCN 2895 Pythag. DIN 610 750 Fe-CuNi 10 17 21 300
TCN 2900 Pythag. DIN 610 1200 Cr All 10 17 21 500
TRE 3810 Silim. DIN 530 1500 Pt Rh 10 % Pt 16 26 30 800
TRE 3815 Alsint 9.7 DIN 710 1500 Pt Rh 10 % Pt 16 26 30 1000
TRE 3820 Alsint 9.7 DIN 710 1500 Pt Rh 10 % Pt 16 26 30 1500

Code Sheath Material Sensing Max. temp.

Element D Φ mm (°C)
TCN 2860 AISI 304 Fe-CuNi 16 750
TCN 2865 AISI 316 Fe-CuNi 16 750
TRE 3780 AISI 310 Cr All 21 1200
TRE 3785 AISI 446 Cr All 21 1200 INSERTS FOR THERMOCOUPLES OR THERMORESISTANCES
DΦ
TRE 3790 Inconel 600 Pt Rh 10 % Pt 21 1200 Code Sensing
Element LE
mm
TRE 3795 1 PT 100 5.5 If requested
TCN 2870 Fe-CuNi 11.5 If requested
TCN 2875 Cr All 11.5 If requested

BAYONET COUPLING THERMOCOUPLES

Code Sheath Sensing Element Hot Junction Max. temp. (°C)
Material
TCN 4708 isolated
AISI 304 Fe-CuNi 0 / +350
TCN 4709 Grounded

BAYONET COUPLING THERMOCOUPLES

Code Sheath Material Sensing Element Hot Junction Max. temp. (°C) OPTIONAL
TCN 4710 isolated CONNECTIONS
AISI 304 Fe-CuNi 0 / +350
TCN 4711 Grounded 1/8”G
Issue: June 2005

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 THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
Application: Temperature Measurement

Table 1: Colour Codes for thermocouple conductors

Type Operating Range Sensing Element Conductors DIN 43710 ANSI MC 96.1
J -200 ÷ +750 °C Iron /Constantan Pos (+) / Neg. (-) / Sheath Red / Blue / Blue White / Red / Brown
K -200 ÷ +1200 °C Chromel /Alumel Pos (+) / Neg. (-) / Sheath Red / Green / Green Yellow / Red / Brown
T -200 ÷ +300 °C Copper/Constantan Pos (+) / Neg. (-) / Sheath Red / Brown / Brown Blue / Red / Brown
E -100 ÷ +1000 °C Chromel/Constantan Pos (+) / Neg. (-) / Sheath Red / Black / Black Purple / Red / Brown

Table 2: e.m.f. values in mV at different temperatures and tolerances for Fe-CuNi thermocouples DIN 43710

-100 -4.75 -5.15 -5.53 -5.90 -6.26 -6.60 -6.93 -7.25 -7.56 -7.86 -8.15 0.034
±3
0 0 -0.51 -1.02 -1.53 -2.03 -2.51 -2.98 -3.44 -3.89 -4.33 -4.75 0.048
°C 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 mV/°C Tolerance In °C
0 0 0.52 1.05 1.58 2.11 2.65 3.19 3.73 4.27 4.82 5.37 0.054
100 5.37 5.92 6.41 7.03 7.59 8.15 8.71 9.27 9.83 10.39 10.95 0.056 ±3
200 10.95 11.51 12.07 12.63 13.19 13.75 14.31 14.88 15.44 16.00 16.56 0.056
300 16.56 17.12 17.68 18.24 18.80 19.36 19.92 20.48 21.04 21.60 22.16 0.056 ±4
400 22.16 22.72 23.29 23.86 24.43 25.00 25.57 26.14 26.71 27.28 27.85 0.057 ±5
500 27.85 28.43 29.01 29.59 30.17 30.75 31.33 31.91 32.49 33.08 33.67 0.058 ±6
600 33.67 34.26 34.85 35.44 36.04 36.64 37.25 37.85 38.47 39.09 39.72 0.061
700 39.72 40.35 40.98 41.62 42.27 42.92 43.57 44.23 44.89 45.55 46.22 0.065 ±7
800 46.22 46.89 47.57 48.25 49.63 49.63 50.32 51.02 51.72 52.43 53.14 0.069

Table 3: e.m.f. values in mV at different temperatures and tolerances for NiCr-Ni thermocouples DIN 43710

°C 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 mV/°C Tolerance In °C

0 0 0.40 0.80 1.20 1.61 2.02 2.43 2.85 3.26 3.68 4.10 0.041
100 4.10 4.51 4.92 5.33 5.73 6.13 6.53 6.93 7.33 7.73 8.13 0.040
±3
200 8.13 8.54 8.94 9.34 9.75 10.16 10.57 10.98 11.39 11.80 12.21 0.041
300 12.21 12.62 13.04 13.46 13.88 14.29 14.71 15.13 15.55 15.98 16.40 0.042
400 16.40 16.82 17.24 17.67 18.09 18.51 18.94 19.36 19.79 20.22 20.65 0.042
±4.5
500 20.65 21.07 21.50 21.92 22.35 22.78 23.20 23.63 24.06 24.49 24.91 0.043
600 24.91 25.34 25.76 26.19 26.61 27.03 27.45 27.87 28.29 28.72 29.14 0.042
700 29.14 29.56 29.97 30.39 30.81 31.23 31.65 32.06 32.48 32.89 33.30 0.042 ±6
800 33.30 33.71 34.12 34.53 34.93 35.34 35.75 36.15 36.55 36.96 37.36 0.041
900 37.36 37.76 38.16 38.56 38.95 39.35 39.75 40.14 40.53 40.92 41.31 0.040
1000 41.31 41.70 42.09 42.48 42.87 43.25 43.63 44.02 44.40 44.78 45.16 0.039
±8
1100 45.16 45.54 45.92 46.29 46.67 47.04 47.41 47.78 48.15 48.52 48.89 0.037
1200 48.89 49.25 49.62 49.98 50.34 50.69 51.05 51.41 51.76 52.11 52.46 0.036

Table 4: resistances values in Ω at different temperatures and tolerances for PT 100 thermoresistances DIN 43760

-200 18.55 14.26 10.35 7.06 4.49 2.52 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
-100 60.20 56.13 52.04 47.93 43.80 39.65 35.48 31.28 27.03 22.71 18.44 0.42 1.2
0 100.00 96.07 92.13 88.17 84.21 80.25 76.28 72.29 68.28 64.25 60.20 0.40 0.7
°C 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Ohm/°C Tolerance In °C
0 100.00 103.90 107.8 111.7 115.5 119.4 123.2 127.1 130.9 134.70 138.50 0.385 0.6
100 138.50 142.29 146.82 149.82 153.58 157.32 161.04 164.76 168.47 172.16 175.84 0.373 1.2
200 175.84 179.51 183.17 186.82 190.46 194.08 197.69 201.30 204.88 208.46 212.03 0.331 1.8
300 212.03 215.58 219.13 222.66 226.18 229.69 233.19 236.67 240.15 243.61 247.06 0.36 2.4
400 247.06 250.50 253.93 257.34 260.75 264.14 267.52 270.89 274.25 277.60 280.93 0.338 3.0
500 280.93 284.26 287.57 290.87 294.16 297.43 300.70 303.95 307.20 310.43 313.65 0.327 3.6
600 313.65 316.86 320.05 323.24 326.41 329.57 332.72 335.86 338.99 342.10 345.21 0.315 4.2
700 345.21 348.30 351.38 354.45 357.51 360.55 363.59 366.61 369.62 372.62 375.61 0.304 4.8
800 375.61 378.59 381.55 384.50 384.45 390.38 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Issue: June 2005

Thermocouples and Thermoresistances www.masterwatt.it pag. 6/8

 THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
Application: Temperature Measurement

BIPOLAR EXTENSION CABLE FOR THERMOCOUPLES

Figure 7: Extension Cables

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS TECHNICAL DATA RELEVANT TO EXTENSION CABLES

Extension cables are used to prolong the standard length of
the thermocouples cables so that they can be connected to the
control panel even if it is located far away from the
measurement point.
They are manufactured using conductors with the same
materials as those employed on the thermocouple that they
have to be connected to. Thanks to this characteristic, they do
not alter significantly the measurement value provided by the
thermocouple.
(see Figure 7)
1. INSULATION made of fibreglass silicone braid
2. EXTERNAL SHEATH made of fibreglass silicone
3. SHIELD made of a braid of tinned copper wires with
coverage factor 75 %
4. OPERATING TEMPERATURE from -60 °C to +250 °C
STANDARD DIMENSIONS
The technical characteristics of the extension cable that are
available on stock are listed in Table 7.
Tables 8 and 9 provide the characteristic data of extension
cables as defined in ANSI and DIN specifications.

Table 7: Extension cables available on stock

Section Code (DIN Code (ANSI Section Code (DIN Code (ANSI
Type (mm²) AWG Dimensions colour blue) colour black) Type (mm²) AWG Dimensions colour blue) colour black)

JX
2 x 0.50 20 Φ 4.2 JX 232105 JX 222105
KX
2 x 0.50 20 Φ 4.2 KX 232105 KX 222105
2 x 0.80 18 4.5 x 2.8 JX 232108 JX 222108 2 x 0.80 18 4.5 x 2.8 KX 232108 KX 222108

Table 8: Colour Codes and Error Limits for extension cables as defined in ANSI MC 96.1 – 1975 ISA-RPI specifications

Conductors Colours Error Limits

Type Operating Temperature
Positive Negative Sheath Positive Negative Standard Special
TX Copper Constantan Blue Blue Red -60 ÷ 100 °C ± 1.0 °C ± 0.5 °C
JX Iron Constantan Nero White Red 0 ÷ 200 °C ± 2.2 °C ± 1.1 °C
EX Chromel Constantan Violet Violet Red 0 ÷ 200 °C ± 1.7 °C ---
KX Chromel Alumel Yellow Yellow Red 0 ÷ 200 °C ± 2.2 °C ---

Table 9: Colour Codes and Error Limits for extension cables as defined in DIN 43714 e DIN 43710 specifications

Conductors Colours Error Limits

Type Operating Temperature
Positive Negative Sheath Positive Negative Standard
TX Copper Constantan Brown Red Brown -60 ÷ 100 °C ± 3.0 °C
JX Iron Constantan Blue Red Blue 0 ÷ 200 °C ± 3.0 °C
KX Chromel Alumel Green Red Green 0 ÷ 200 °C ± 3.0 °C
Issue: June 2005

Extension Cables www.masterwatt.it pag. 7/8

 THERMOCOUPLES and THERMORESISTANCES
Application: Temperature Measurement

STANDARD CONNECTORS FOR THERMOCOUPLES

Standard Single Standard Construction Characteristics

Shell Material:
Thermoplastic: operating temperatures: -100 °C ÷ + 250 °C

Studs Material:
Standard Double Same as thermocouple material with single and multiple
connectors from 2.8 mm diameter to 6 mm diameter.

Calibration: K, J, T, E

Colour Code: as per ANSI specifications

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thermocouple connectors represent the best solution to join
electrically the cables of a thermocouple to their relevant
extension cables. They consist of a plug (male connector)
and a socket (female connector) and are available in single
and double version (to be used with double thermocouples
too). Mini connectors (series “Mini”) are available too: they
provide the same function with minimum possible envelope.
As for the extension cables, the thermocouple connectors are
manufactured using the same material as the one employed
on the thermocouple they are connected to. Thanks to this
characteristic, they do not alter the measured value.
STANDARD DIMENSIONS
The characteristics of the connectors that are available on
stock are listed in Tables 10 and 11 (standard connectors)
and in Tables 12 and 13 (mini connectors).

Table 10: Thermocouple Connectors available on stock–standard series

Connectors metal plugs Code
Type Colours
Small (+) Big (-) Single Plug Single Socket Double Plug Double Socket
K NiCr Ni Yellow 01100004 01100003 01100100 01100108
J Fe CuNi Black 01100009 01100008 01100101 01100109
T Cu CuNi Blue 01100014 01100013 01100102 01100110
E NiCr CuNi Purple 01100019 01100018 01100103 01100111

Table 11: Cable glands for thermocouples available on stock – standard series
Single connector cable gland Code: 01410001
Double connector cable gland Code: 01410007

MINI-CONNECTORS FOR THERMOCOUPLES

Single Mini Standard Construction Characteristics

Shell Material:
Thermoplastic: operating temperatures: -100 °C ÷ + 250 °C

Studs Material:
Double Mini Same as thermocouple material with single and multiple
connectors from 0.5 mm diameter to 4 mm diameter.

Calibration: K, J, T, E

Colour Code: as per ANSI specifications

Table 12: Thermocouple Connectors available on stock – mini series

Connectors metal plugs Code
Type Colours
Small (+) Big (-) Single Plug Single Socket Double Plug Double Socket
K NiCr Ni Giallo 01100001 01100002 01100146 01100158
J Fe CuNi Nero 01100006 01100007 01100147 01100159
T Cu CuNi Blu 01100011 01100012 01100148 01100160
E NiCr CuNi Porpora 01100016 01100017 01100149 01100161

Table 13: Cable glands for thermocouples available on stock –mini series
Issue: June 2005

Single connector cable gland Code: 01410004

Double connector cable gland Code: 01410009

Connectors www.masterwatt.it pag. 8/8